Reviews tagging 'Murder'

Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

39 reviews

fbarros's review against another edition

4.25

Tess is one of the most frustratingly tragic characters I’ve come across. Every decision she makes seems to dig her deeper into trouble. She's constantly surrounded by some of the worst, most manipulative people imaginable that take advantage of her innocence at all costs. It’s painful to see her ignore her gut and sacrifice herself, trying to please her family and secure a better life for her siblings.

I absolutely hate Alec. Actually, I hate most of the men in this book. Even her husband, Angel—who knows nothing's Tess’s fault—abandons her when she needs him the most. It's infuriating. But the women? The women are powerful, complicated, and resilient in their own ways.

My only real complaint is the length. It felt too long, dragging at points where it didn’t need to. Still, it’s a heartbreaking, emotional ride that’s going to stick with me.

Everything about this book is infuriating, sad, and depressing, and honestly... it’s a lot to take in.

PS: A random part of the book that hit me harder than expected was the death of the horse. It shouldn't have, but it reminded me of my own mare who passed away last year. 😭 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Sexual harassment

gauriraut's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Classism

Moderate: Addiction, Child death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment

brianreadsbooks's review against another edition

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape, Murder, and Sexual harassment

yejide's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I'm only giving it 2 stars because if the TRAUMA this book has now put me through. Yes, I know it's social commentary but i don't give a rat's ass because Hardy was foul for this one. Tess never gets a break. the 2 stars are for Tess and Sorrow alone.

Angel should have stayed in Brazil and never came back icl

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting

herringgulls's review against another edition

dark reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated

4.5

Honestly Tess deserved to kill more people

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexism

Moderate: Miscarriage, Rape, and Murder

Not technically a miscarriage but quite close, would be triggering to the same people.

crimsonash606's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt

Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Sexual assault, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Classism

eldane's review against another edition

I ran out of time, plus I wasn't really interested in reading a book in which the female protagonist is constantly taken advantage of by men. She has no spine, and any personality seems to vaporize any time a man comes near her. All she does is endure tragedy after tragedy, and then she dies. Woof.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Murder

Minor: Child death, Death, and Rape

_quinnsreads's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

It feels wrong rating this book 5. But I gave it 5 stars not because I liked how "dark and depressing" this book is but because I got caught up with the story. Reminds me how tragic human lives could end up in effect of unfavorable circumstances and the evils living among us. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Murder, and Classism

Moderate: Misogyny, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment

rbacon's review against another edition

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

So dramatic. Once you get through the classic style of writing the plot and character are intensely interesting. Some of the pacing is a bit weird, but bear with it and get to the end, because it all kicks off.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual harassment

Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Murder, and Pregnancy

ellahoward_'s review against another edition

sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

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Content Warnings

Minor: Child death, Death, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy